Who we are
Sewing for Refuge was born from a long-standing commitment to ethical fashion, global manufacturing, and the economic empowerment of women.
In 2017, founder Naika Colas applied for the Tommy Hilfiger Social Innovation Challenge with a vision to build a manufacturing facility in Haiti—one that would employ women who already knew how to sew while providing education in business, fashion design, and sustainable production. The project advanced to the second round of the competition but did not ultimately receive funding.
Despite this, the vision remained.
As political instability and social unrest in Haiti intensified, it became clear that this work—supporting skilled garment workers, needed to take shape closer to home.
Today, Sewing for Refuge operates in New York City, responding directly to the realities faced by immigrant and refugee women navigating displacement, labor precarity, and barriers to stable employment.
FROM RESEARCH TO REAL-WORLD IMPACT
As an Assistant Professor of Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design, Naika leveraged academic research funding to launch a first-of-its-kind Garment Worker Career Fair, in collaboration with the New York Fashion Workforce Development Coalition—an organization where she served first as a board member and now as Board Chair.
Through partnerships with:
The New York State Department of Labor
Catholic Charities
The Haitian Embassy
Sewing for Refuge brought together experienced garment workers—many of whom had been excluded from formal fashion industry pipelines—and connected them directly with fashion brands and institutions.
These efforts resulted in tangible placements, including roles with Diotima (2024) and Parsons School of Design, demonstrating the demand for skilled labor when access and advocacy are present.
Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
With support from the Garment District Alliance’s Business Development Collaborative, Sewing for Refuge is launching its first workshop program at Custom Collaborative in the Garment District.
Beginning with sewing proficiency assessments, the program builds on participants’ existing experience through instruction in tailoring, pattern making, luxury sewing, stretch fabrics, and garment finishing. Participants also receive professional development, labor-rights education, and support connecting with employment opportunities.
We are building relationships with fashion brands, manufacturers, and community partners to create pathways to paid work and sustain the program beyond its first cohort.
Meet The Team
Ashley cardona
Program ManagerAshley Cardona manages program operations, workshops, partnerships, and participant communications at Sewing for Refuge. A Parsons Fashion Management graduate, she works closely with founder Naika Colas to coordinate the program and support garment workers throughout their participation.
Outreach Coordinator Doris
Doris supports participant outreach and communication, helping women stay connected and informed throughout the program.
Contact us
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